Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Geothermal Development: the Case of the Geothermal Development Company (GDC), Kenya

Abstract

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development defines corporate social responsibility as the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce, their families, the host community and the society at large. Having been in operation for over a year now, GDC has developed a CSR policy and strategy that focuses on five areas: education; economic empowerment, environmental management; health and sanitation; and arts, culture & sports. Our community investment programme aims at creating a symbiotic relationship between GDC and host communities geared towards improving their quality of life. The GDC CSR model entails empowering communities to utilize local resources for improved livelihoods. communities will benefit from GDC’s presence as well as from the direct utilization of geothermal resources where applicable. In order to ensure that we continuously maintain GDC’s brand visibility, GDC sponsors worthy causes in the society, not necessarily within our areas of operations. Such include support to deserving educational cases, promotion of professional advancement or co-sponsoring strategic initiatives. In all cases sponsored projects fall within GDC’s CSR focus areas. GDC recognizes the need to deliver services in an environmentally sustainable manner. The company has developed a strategy to safeguard the environment. In most of the geothermal areas in Kenya, the environment has been degraded and trees have been cut, leaving the soil bare and open to erosion. GDC is engaging in rehabilitation of forest cover in water catchment areas and in and around geothermal sites. Overall, GDC is committed to undertaking its operations in a sustainable manner. With regard to workplace practices, GDC recognizes employees as the Company’s most important asset and promotes equal employment practices, gender equity, and health and safety, and offers a competitive pay and benefits package.